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Driving in Malta vs. United Arab Emirates: Key Differences

Discover the crucial contrasts in road regulations between Malta and the United Arab Emirates. While Malta drives on the left, the UAE adheres to right-hand traffic, impacting overtaking rules and lane usage. Understanding these variations is vital for ensuring a secure and enjoyable journey in either destination. Stay informed for a safer driving experience abroad!

Lanes

Driving Side
malta:
Left
united arab emirates:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
malta:
Marks the left edge on some divided roads.
united arab emirates:
Marks the left edge on some roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
malta:
Often used to indicate parking restrictions.
united arab emirates:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
malta:
No
united arab emirates:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
malta:
Yes
united arab emirates:
Allowed on multilane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
malta:
List length: 5
united arab emirates:
List length: 6
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
malta:
Use leftmost lane.
united arab emirates:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
malta:
Yes
united arab emirates:
Yes, in major cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Bus Lanes: Usage
malta:
Reserved for buses and emergency vehicles.
united arab emirates:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and motorcycles in some areas.
Bus Lanes: Markings
malta:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
united arab emirates:
Labeled and usually marked by road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
malta:
Yes
united arab emirates:
Yes, primarily in urban areas and parks.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
malta:
Shared use with caution, marked on roads.
united arab emirates:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
malta:
N/A
united arab emirates:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
malta:
No
united arab emirates:
Yes, in some areas
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
malta:
N/A
united arab emirates:
Minimum two or three occupants
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
malta:
No
united arab emirates:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malta:
N/A
united arab emirates:
Electronic signs display current limits, often in major urban areas and highways.

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
malta:
50 km/h
united arab emirates:
40-60 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
malta:
50 km/h
united arab emirates:
25-40 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
malta:
70 km/h
united arab emirates:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
malta:
70 km/h
united arab emirates:
80-100 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
malta:
70 km/h
united arab emirates:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
malta:
80 km/h
united arab emirates:
100-140 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
malta:
80 km/h
united arab emirates:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
malta:
80 km/h
united arab emirates:
80-100 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
malta:
No
united arab emirates:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
malta:
N/A
united arab emirates:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
malta:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation
united arab emirates:
Less common; fines can be issued electronically

Signals

Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
malta:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
united arab emirates:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
malta:
Not used in Malta
united arab emirates:
Not used in UAE
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
malta:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
united arab emirates:
Unnecessary use discouraged; especially in residential areas
Traffic Signs: Language
malta:
English and Maltese; symbols are standard
united arab emirates:
Arabic and English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
malta:
Triangular-shaped with a white background or yellow.
united arab emirates:
Triangular with red borders

Turns

Right Turn On Red
malta:
Not allowed
united arab emirates:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
malta:
Varies by location; check for signs
united arab emirates:
Allowed unless specifically prohibited by a sign

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
united arab emirates:
Accepted with International Driving Permit recommended
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
malta:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
united arab emirates:
Accepted with International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
malta:
Annual vehicle inspection required
united arab emirates:
Annual inspection required for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
malta:
Displayed on license plate or windshield.
united arab emirates:
Displayed on the windshield after inspection
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malta:
Recommended
united arab emirates:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
malta:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
united arab emirates:
Moderate use, not excessively
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
malta:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
united arab emirates:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
malta:
0.05%
united arab emirates:
0.0%
Limits: Professional Drivers
malta:
0.02%
united arab emirates:
0.0%
Enforcement: Random Checks
malta:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
united arab emirates:
Less common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
malta:
Reasonably enforced; can be substantial
united arab emirates:
Varies; can be substantial

Roundabouts

Signaling: Exiting
malta:
Signal left when preparing to exit
united arab emirates:
Signal right when preparing to exit

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
malta:
112
united arab emirates:
999
Contact: Traffic Police
malta:
112 for emergencies
united arab emirates:
Varies by emirate; often integrates with general emergency
Contact: Roadside Assistance
malta:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Malta
united arab emirates:
Check with your insurance provider or organizations like AAA
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory
united arab emirates:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
malta:
Recommended but not mandatory
united arab emirates:
Recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
malta:
Varies; typically €35 to €70, points on license
united arab emirates:
Varies; AED 300 to AED 3000, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
malta:
Varies; substantial fines and possible jail time
united arab emirates:
Severe penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment
Common Fines: Seat Belts
malta:
Typically around €50, points may apply
united arab emirates:
AED 400, 4 black points
Common Fines: Phone Use
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
united arab emirates:
AED 800, 4 black points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
malta:
Typically around €100, points on license
united arab emirates:
AED 1000, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
malta:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
united arab emirates:
Not typical; fines usually notified electronically
Payment: Deadline
malta:
Varies; typically 15 days to pay
united arab emirates:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay